Nigeria asks SA for compensation for xenophobia victims

Nigeria has asked the South African government for compensation for the victims of the xenophobic attacks. 

Three weeks ago, xenophobic violence flared up in KwaZulu-Natal then spread to Gauteng.

Seven people have since been killed.

The South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, says he has been in consultations with the foreign affairs department.

He says that while ties between the two countries are strong the South African government must protect the lives of foreigners.

“They have been asking for compensation and I said there is nothing I can say about that because we are focusing on securing lives.”

Meanwhile, two Game stores in Malawi have been closed amid fears they could become targets of anti-xenophobia protests in Lilongwe.

Pep stores and the Shoprite group have also reportedly closed their shops in Malawi, but this could not be confirmed by Eyewitness News.

This comes as more than 500 Malawians who left Durban earlier this week are expected to arrive in the capital tonight.

Massmart spokesperson Annaleigh Vallie says they had to consider the safety of their customers ahead of the protests.

She says the decision to close two stores is a precautionary measure.

It’s unclear when the stores will reopen and the company says it will continue to monitor the situation.

Malawian newspapers are reporting security has been increased at other South African retail stores with heavily armed police on guard.

There are fears South African companies could be targeted in demonstrations. Eye Witness News